Copyright dailytimes
Mayor Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, has directed the immediate cancellation of multiple development contracts due to unwarranted delays in execution and completion. He also announced the formation of Rapid Response Teams to undertake emergency rehabilitation and road repair works across the city on a fast-track basis. A high-level review meeting was held at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Head Office to assess and monitor the progress of 637 ongoing development schemes funded under various heads, including District ADP, Provincial ADP, Emergency Works, Special Schemes, and CLICK-funded projects. During the meeting, Senior Director Engineering, Junaid Ullah Khan, briefed the participants on the district-wise progress. He informed that 118 new schemes under the Provincial ADP have recently been initiated. Out of these, 11 schemes have been launched in District East, 28 in District Central, 21 in District West, 20 in District Korangi, and 14 under the Electrical & Mechanical (E&M) Wing, with several others under special funding streams. The Chief Engineer further briefed that under the E&M department’s solarization initiative, two streets have already been finalized, and Shahrah-e-Faisal is set to be solarized within the coming days. Expressing strong displeasure over the delay in project execution, Mayor Murtaza Wahab termed it unacceptable that certain works had not yet commenced even after the issuance of award letters, while others remained incomplete beyond their timelines. “This is an embarrassment for the city and a disservice to our citizens. Funds are available, yet inefficiency and negligence have deprived Karachiites of timely relief. Contractors responsible for these delays will face strict action – including immediate contract cancellation and blacklisting,” the Mayor stated. Municipal Commissioner KMC, S. M. Afzal Zaidi (PAS), informed the meeting that the scope of emergency works has been expanded and fresh allocations from KMC’s own funds have been approved. Amounting to one billion rupees. Tenders have been floated to expedite infrastructure rehabilitation and to address citizens’ complaints on a priority basis. The Mayor further directed the immediate launch of Rapid Response Teams to fix potholes and undertake emergency repairs across all districts, operating round the clock to restore smooth traffic flow and ensure public convenience. “The Engineering Department must remain on the ground until the situation is completely normalized,” Mayor Wahab emphasized. He also issued a 60-day deadline for the completion of all near-finished or pending schemes, warning that any further delay would invite disciplinary and contractual action. The meeting was attended by Municipal Commissioner KMC SM Afzal Zaidi, Financial Advisor Gulzar Abro, Senior Director Coordination to Mayor Ikhlaq Yousafzai, Senior Director Engineering Junaid Ullah Khan, Director Media Daniyal Siyal, and other senior officials of the KMC.
